The agencies and institutions for advanced practice nursing experiences in the graduate program are selected according to the following criteria:

The health care philosophy and objectives of the agency or institution are compatible with those of the
College of
Nursing and learning needs of the
students.

The accreditation status of the agency is satisfactory.

The demographics of clients and advanced nursing situations are adequate to fulfill course objectives and advanced practice nursing expectations.

The educational preparation and experience of the preceptors meets required criteria for the specific course.

The location of the agency/institution is accessible.

Use of the agency by other nursing programs does not create negative learning opportunities for
students.

Advanced practice nursing sites vary in size, services offered, and location. Practice sites are located primarily in
Palm Beach, Broward, Dade, Martin, and St. Lucie counties with some
students having experiences at more distant sites based on individual need.

Cooperative agreements with each preceptor and/or site are required by the university. The agreement is signed by the preceptor or the agency head, the Dean of the
College of
Nursing, and the University Attorney prior to initiation of student experience at the site. The original agreement is kept on file in the
College of
Nursing; the preceptor is sent a fully executed copy of the agreement for records.

Obtaining Clinical Preceptors and Sites

Students are advised to begin considering with whom they wish to precept very early in the program, and begin to make the arrangements for the experience. Approval of a preceptor and site for advanced nursing practice must come in consultation with your advisor and/or your course faculty. Students may look on the NP Clinical Sites page to see if a contract is already in place with the individual or site with whom you wish to precept. If the site is NOT on the list, complete a New Contract Request

In choosing a preceptor, please know that the person must be board/nationally certified in the area of practice, must have practiced for two or more years, and has taught graduate nurse practitioner, medical or physician assistant
students. The preceptor and site must be reviewed and approved by NP faculty here at the College. Physicians and masters prepared physician assistants may be used if approved by your advisor and/or clinical faculty. The majority of advanced practice nursing experiences should be with nurse practitioners and physicians.

The potential preceptor should be advised that the
students must have the opportunity to actually carry out ("hands-on") complete and episodic histories and physical examinations, present the patients to the preceptor, discuss the options for diagnostic tests and management including follow-up of the patients. Students should be involved in the decision-making process to some degree, and have opportunities for in-depth discussions about patients with the preceptor to gain insights into appropriate management. In addition, opportunities for recording the patient information, understanding certain financial influences in the practice site, etc are important.

Preceptors receive a Preceptor Packet explaining their role with
students. Preceptor's may apply for a certificate of participation after 300 hours of precepting. This will allow waiver of tuition for six credits at any state college or university. For the Preceptor certificate of participation information and forms, please click on the, "For Preceptors" under our "Go To" menu on the left sidebar.

ADULT/GERONTOLOGICAL NP STUDENTS: 100 hours of women's health, and 150 hours of gerontological care some of which should be with adults in a long term care setting and/or subacute facility and some in primary care.

PLEASE NOTE: When the university is officially closed and during semester intersessions (the periods between semesters),
students MAY NOT participate in practicum experiences.

Student, Faculty and Preceptor Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities:

Students will:

Demonstrate the integration of a philosophy of caring in advanced nursing situations.

Meet all clinical entry requirements as outlined in the college clinical tracking system.

Obtain faculty site approval prior to entering any practicum.

Submit signed preceptor agreement form to faculty prior to entering any practicum site.

Submit an electronic clinical arrangements from each practicum site prior to entering the site.

The orientation to the setting is the responsibility of the student and is to be conducted before and/or during the first week of the semester. The student needs to provide the preceptor, a copy of their CV/resume, the course syllabus, the advanced practice nursing evaluation tool, and a set of individualized objectives.

Professional attire and conduct is expected at all times:

If the student is unable to attend clinical related to illness, he/she is to contact the preceptor and facility in a timely manner.

Students are expected to report to clinical on time. Tardiness is considered unprofessional behavior.

A student ID and name badge must be exhibited (see Graduate Handbook).

Students must maintain advanced practice nursing electronic logs as described in individual course syllabus. Students are advised to maintain a copy of their clinical logs for their own records.

Students must complete an evaluation of the advanced practice nursing site and preceptor at the end of the semester.

All ethical standards per the ANA code must be maintained, including client confidentiality.

College of
Nursing Nurse Practitioner Faculty Responsibilities:

Assist the student in facilitating an advanced practice nursing placement at the beginning of the semester, maintain contact with the facility, preceptor, and administrators as appropriate. Ensure contract in place prior to students entering the site.

Conduct advanced practice nursing site visits as appropriate; minimally one visit per semester. This visit should be scheduled in advance to ensure the time and experience. More than one visit may be required.

Be available to preceptor and student during times that student is in advanced practice setting.

If course faculty are unavailable (out of town or ill) notify NP coordinator to arrange back up faculty supervision. Students must be notified if faculty are unavailable and the contact information of back-up supervising faculty member.

For each student, submit a signed summary sheet, e-log composite printout, student evaluations, and student preceptor/site evaluations to the graduate coordinator within one week of submitting course grades.

Preceptor Responsibilities:

Maintain a current license to practice as an advanced practice nurse (ARNP, MD, or DO) in state of practice.

Complete and sign a preceptor agreement provided by the student.

Conduct a joint review with the student of the learning objectives for the advanced practice nursing experience. Should there be any problems in meeting the course objectives during the semester, the preceptor should inform the student and contact the faculty.